Letter: Braun’s statements seem to contradict reasoning for Mid-States Corridor

The Dubois County Free Press posted WTHR’s interview with Gov.-elect Mike Braun and his wife a few days ago. It’s an interesting and informative interview.

Early on in the interview, Mike Braun was talking about Jasper and Dubois County, and he made an insightful remark. He stated that neither Jasper nor Dubois County were trying to “lure” businesses to the area. He said the entrepreneurs in the area would step up and grow the community. This seems to be at odds with one of the stated goals of the Mid-States Corridor, that of attracting economic development.

Some will defend Mr. Braun’s statement by saying local entrepreneurs can be developers of local economic development. This may be true; but, that is not what Mike Braun, Hank Menke, Shane Lindauer or any of the others who are pushing the Mid-States Corridor have actually been saying. Nor is it what the Mid-States Corridor RDA , the Lochmueller Group or INDOT have expressed. A look at the Tier 1 data plainly states that the Corridor will attract new economic development to the area.

The ruse that the Mid-States Corridor will attract new economic development can be readily seen for the ruse it is, by the lack of economic development along the southern leg of the Corridor. What new, or old for that matter, economic development is there from the Ohio River to I-64? Or, the new economic development along the US 50 bypass around Washington? Or, anywhere along I-69? The answer? There is none.

A slip of the tongue? I don’t know. What I can see is that all the negatives, when looked at one by one do not add up. County roads dead ending. Increased commute times. Dangerous school bus crossings. Communities, i.e. the Amish and Alfordsville, being isolated. Increased noise and air pollution. Not to mention a new area for local speeders to race, all make the Mid-States Corridor bad for Dubois, Martin and Daviess counties.

The Property Rights Alliance (PRA) is here to help all of oppose the Mid-States Corridor. They are working tirelessly to stop the Mid-States Corridor. Their current focus is on Dubois County; but, they are here to help all who are in the path of the Corridor.

The PRA and we the people will defeat the Mid-States Corridor. Mike Braun may have been elected Governor but we will not allow his and his cabal’s special interest highway to be built. Just keep saying no.

Jim Arvin
Rutherford Township
Martin County